Thoughts on Lightbox Expo aka geeking out over all the amazing artists that I met

Hello friends!

This last weekend has been a wild ride. First of all, a 3-day trip to the US is a bit too short, I should have known. That jet lag made me an early bird and stole my appetite - two things that are very atypical for me. But it did not dampen my enthusiasm for the convention!

I felt like a kid in a candy store. The event was densely packed with artists whom I’ve admired for years and only seen online up until then. But this last weekend, my Instagram feed had come alive! It was magical.

Bobby and the crew made it possible to provide a space for learning and sharing our passion for art. It felt big but very intimate at the same time. All day, you could choose between attending talks, panels, demos or just browsing the artist alley, which was HUGE btw. I think next year, they’re going to need a bigger venue since pretty much all the talks were packed at all times.

I loved how there was no separation line between instructors and attendees. We just all hung out and had a good time. And speaking of which, I was so happy to actually meet some of you!! 🧡 All the nice conversations I had were truly the highlight of this con. I know how artists can be really shy, so I appreciate you coming over to me! And if we didn’t get a chance to meet, I will be back next year for sure!!

Now, excuse me while I share some selfies and go into fangirl mode. I will be using people’s Instagram handles.

We had a speaker’s dinner on Friday, for everyone who was doing a talk, panel or presentation of any kind. @petemohrbacher and I didn‘t eat anything and got more and more delirious as the evening went on. @rossdraws seemed to be pretty energetic though! Pete was there to represent the indie community and delivered a great talk. People were super excited about the idea of not working for anyone. I can relate!

I think this is my favourite picture out of the bunch. Look at all these crazy amazing people! @jawcooper, @ahmedaldoori_art (in case you’re reading this, heeeey!), @sinixdesign, @mercedeskaspar_art and @vijkhil. All freaking amazing artists and apparently super good at posing!

We also met @daniel_landerman, who was just so kind and amazing. I wasn’t familiar with his work, but MAN, it is gorgeous!

And here we are with the wonderful @eleeza. She had her little baby with her and still took the time to talk to us! 😭

This is our social media panel. I’m sitting next to @heikala, @pernilleoerum, @loisvb, @rossdraws and @artgerm. Need I say more?

Got to hang out with @robbietrevinoart and @jawcooper for a hot minute to talk about true crime and the second season of mindhunter!

Forgot to get a photos with @digitalbobert who was just so busy, always rushing by! But luckily, @bertie_bert_draws took the chance! I keep bumping into Bertie all weekend and we bonded standing or sitting in line.

And lastly, the wonderful @noakat and the encounter that almost made me cry: My absolute favourite artist Iain McCaig. He just radiates positivity and enthusiasm.

If you were at Lightbox, please let me know what your favourite memory was!

🧡